Sweden EU Blue Card Program for Skilled Professionals

Sweden is set to implement significant changes to its EU Blue Card program, aiming to attract highly qualified professionals from abroad. These modifications are expected to take effect on January 1, 2025, following parliamentary approval.
 

Key Changes to Sweden's EU Blue Card Program

• Reduced Salary Threshold: The minimum salary requirement will decrease from 1.5 times the gross average salary (€5,165) to 1.25 times (€4,304).
   
• Shortened Employment Contract Duration: Applicants will be eligible with employment contracts of at least six months, down from the previous one-year requirement.
   
• Enhanced Job Mobility: EU Blue Card holders will have the flexibility to change employers without needing to reapply for a new card.
   
• Simplified Application for Existing EU Blue Card Holders: Professionals holding an EU Blue Card from another EU country can apply for Sweden's Blue Card more easily and are permitted to work in Sweden for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
   

Also read…
Sweden eases EU Blue Card process from 1st Jan 2025. Apply Now!
 

Differences between Sweden Residence Permit and EU Blue Card
 

Criteria	Residence Permit for Highly Skilled Workers	EU Blue Card (via Sweden)
Eligibility	Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience; job offer required	Bachelor's degree or 5 years of professional experience; job offer required
Salary Threshold	Competitive salary based on Swedish standards	Minimum 1.5x Sweden's average salary (around 54,150 SEK/month)
Processing Time	Approximately 10–90 days, depending on company certification	Typically processed in 2–3 weeks, max 90 days
Health Insurance	National health insurance suffices	Private health insurance for the first 3 months required
Mobility in EU	No facilitated mobility between EU countries	Easier mobility within the EU and time counts towards EU-wide permanent residency
Dependents	Can include dependents with immediate access to work in Sweden	Same as the residence permit; family benefits included
Best For	Staying and working in Sweden with fast processing for certified companies	Working across multiple EU countries or aiming for EU permanent residency

 

Benefits of the EU Blue Card in Sweden

• Work and Residence Rights: Live and work in Sweden with the possibility of family reunification.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Potential eligibility for permanent residency after a specified period.
• Access to Social Services: Entitlement to certain social benefits and services.

These reforms underscore Sweden's commitment to attracting global talent and addressing labor market needs by making the EU Blue Card more accessible and appealing to foreign professionals.
 

Eligibility and Requirements for Sweden EU Blue Card

• Bachelor's degree or 5 years of professional experience job offer is required
• Minimum 1.5x Sweden's average salary (around 54,150 SEK/month)
• Typically processed in 2–3 weeks (max 90 days)
• Private health insurance for the first 3 months required

Sweden EU Blue Card Application Process

Step 1: Get a job offer that aligns with the eligibility criteria.

Step 2: Arrange the required documents.

Step 3: Apply through the Swedish Migration Agency, adhering to the updated guidelines.

Step 4: Processing times are expected to be reduced to 30 days, expediting the decision-making process.
 

Sweden EU Blue Card Processing Time

Typically, the processing time for Sweden EU Card ranges from 2–3 weeks, maximum 90 days.